HEALTH ENCYCLOPEDIA

Hypermobile Joints

What are hypermobile
joints?

If you have hypermobile joints, you’re able to extend them
easily and painlessly beyond the normal range of motion. Hypermobility of the
joints occurs when the tissues holding a joint together, mainly ligaments and the joint capsule, are
too loose. Often, weak muscles around the joint also contribute to
hypermobility.

The joints most commonly affected are the:

knees

shoulders

elbows

wrists

fingers

Hypermobility is a common condition, especially in children,
since their connective tissues aren’t completely developed. A child with
hypermobile joints may lose the ability to hyperextend as they age.

Having joint hypermobility may also be called:

having joint laxity, or
hyperlaxity

being double-jointed

having loose joints

having hypermobility syndrome

Common
causes of hypermobile joints

Most commonly, hypermobile joints appear without any
underlying health conditions. This is called benign hypermobility syndrome
since the only symptom is hypermobile joints. It can be caused by:

bone shape or the depth of
the joint sockets

muscle tone or strength

a poor sense of
proprioception, which is the ability to sense how far you’re stretching

a family history of hypermobility

Some people with hypermobile joints also develop stiffness
or pain in their joints. This is called joint hypermobility syndrome.

In rare cases, hypermobile joints occur due to an underlying
medical condition. Conditions that could potentially cause hypermobility
include:

Morquio syndrome, which is an
inherited disorder that affects metabolism

When
to seek treatment for hypermobile joints

Usually, people with hypermobile joints don’t have other
symptoms, so they don’t need treatment for their condition.

However, you should see a doctor if you have:

pain in the loose joint during or after movement

sudden changes in the appearance of the joint

changes in mobility, specifically in the joints

changes in the functioning of your arms and legs

Relieving
symptoms of hypermobile joints

If you have joint hypermobility syndrome, treatment will
focus on relieving pain and strengthening the joint. Your doctor may suggest
you use prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, creams, or sprays for
your joint pain. They may also recommend certain exercises or physical therapy.

What is the outlook for hypermobile joints?

You’re more likely to dislocate or injure your joints
through sprains of strains if you have hypermobile joints.

You can try the following to decrease your risk of
complications:

Do exercises to strengthen
the muscles around the joint.

Learn what normal range of motion
is for each joint to avoid hyperextension.

Protect your joints during
physical activity by using padding or braces.

See a Physical Therapist to have a detailed joint strengthening program developed for you.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.